UP makes H1N1 tests free at government hospitals amid 685 confirmed cases

With 685 confirmed H1N1 cases reported in Uttar Pradesh, the state government has decided to make H1N1 testing free at government hospitals, aiming to improve access to diagnosis and ensure patients can be identified and treated promptly.H1N1 cases reach 685 in UP as government hospitals make tests freeUttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday directed that testing for Influenza-A (H1N1) be provided free of cost at all government health facilities in the state. He also ordered stronger surveillance and treatment arrangements in districts reporting higher numbers of cases, according to an official statement.Reviewing the state’s Influenza-A and seasonal influenza situation, Adityanath said private healthcare institutions must not charge more than the prescribed fee for H1N1 tests. He also asked hospitals to keep adequate medicines, testing and isolation facilities ready, and to prepare separate ICU wards for serious patients.Experts informed the meeting that 685 laboratory-confirmed H1N1 cases had been reported in the state as of Wednesday.STRONGER SURVEILLANCE AND TREATMENTThe chief minister ordered detailed guidelines on H1N1 prevention and treatment, effective teleconsultation services and intensified screening with the help of ANMs, ASHA workers and other health personnel to identify suspected cases. “Ensure timely identification and treatment of patients. Wherever cases are increasing, surveillance should be strengthened, and necessary medical arrangements made immediately,” the chief minister said.He directed that patients with mild symptoms be advised home rest and self-isolation according to medical advice, while serious cases should receive immediate treatment. Special attention should be given to children, pregnant women, people above 65 and those with serious pre-existing illnesses.SEPARATE FACILITIES FOR FLU PATIENTSHospitals were asked to have separate counters for patients with influenza-like symptoms and to ensure a referral system based on the patient’s condition, so that serious cases receive timely treatment without unnecessarily burdening hospitals.Experts said breathing difficulty, chest pain, extreme drowsiness, low blood pressure, blood-stained sputum and bluish nails could indicate severe illness.In children, persistent high fever, inability to eat, seizures, rapid or difficult breathing and worsening of an existing illness were listed as warning signs.MEDICINES, VACCINES AND TESTING FACILITIESThe government said adequate stocks of oseltamivir capsules, syrup and H1N1 vaccine were available.District hospitals have flu help desks, sample collection facilities and separate flu OPDs, while medical colleges have testing facilities, medicines and isolation beds, with adequate RT-PCR kits.PUBLIC AWARENESS TO BE STRENGTHENEDAdityanath directed officials to strengthen public awareness and provide simple, accurate information on what people should and should not do.“Ensure that there is no unnecessary panic,” he said, while stressing hand hygiene, cough and sneeze precautions and other infection-prevention measures at hospitals and crowded places.He also directed continuous monitoring of the situation and immediate action in districts witnessing a rise in cases.The directions focus on free testing at government facilities, regulated charges at private centres, stronger surveillance in affected districts and clear treatment and referral arrangements, while the state continues to monitor the rise in H1N1 cases.Influenza-A (H1N1) spreads mainly through droplets released while coughing or sneezing. Symptoms include fever, runny nose, cough, sore throat, headache, body ache, chills and red eyes.- EndsPublished By: India Today Web Desk Published On: Sep 3, 2026 12:57 IST